Hanayashiki

Hello! It's U!



How is everybody doing these days?
I feel like it's getting warm a little.

Those who live in Japan might be quarantining since the declaration of the state of emergency.



I'm going to write about Hanayashiki, the oldest amusement park in Japan.



Located a few minutes away from Sensoji Temple, Hanayashiki opened in 1853, 168 years ago.

Let me give you a quiz here.

Hanayashiki means "the flower mansion" in English.

Why did they name an amusement park "the flower mansion"?



The answer is, it's because Hanayashiki was a botanical garden when it first opened.

The name carries the trace from that era, I guess.

Before WWII, they also had a zoo there.



Although it had to close down during the war, Hanayashiki reopened as an amusement park after the war ended.

It was free to enter until 1985.

How generous were they!?



Many rides in Hanayashiki make you feel like you're back in time.

There's the oldest running roller-coaster in Japan.

There is also "Skyship," the pirate ship you can ride through the park.

They are not only fun to ride, but they're also great for taking photos.

If you want to scream your lung out, try either "Little star" or "Spaceshot."

If you have no fear, try the haunted mansion or other scary rides and let me know how they were.



I shouldn't forget to write about "the panda cars" when writing about Hanayashiki.

It's a ride that you hop onto the Panda bear, put 200yen in, then it slowly gets you around.

Since it became like the mascot of Hanayashiki, there is merchandise such as T-shirts and stickers.

There is a small panda car on top of a mailbox in front of the entrance.

They even serve ramen bowls with panda cars printed on nori seaweed.

Hanayashiki does an illumination event in the winter.
During that time, the panda cars are also decorated with lights.



You want to buy some merch but have no time to explore the park?

Don't worry.

On Hanayashiki Street, the street in front of Hanayashiki, there is a store.

You can get anything you want there.



By the way, we, HiKESHi SPiRiT have several collaboration products with Hanayashiki!

They have a T-shirt only sold at the Hanayashiki store, so make sure to check that out, too.



My favorite is a T-shirt with the Hikeshi riding the Panda car.

The facial expression gaps between those two make me chuckle.



I think the area around Hanayashiki is the perfect place to walk around, too.

I want to go for a walk with a cup of coffee in my hand.

I will have to wait until the quarantine is over, though!



Well, I think this is it for today.
See you next time!